On Wednesday October 14th, the Cincinnati Cyclones announced the signing of American left-winger Taylor Crunk. The two sides agreed to terms on a standard player contract for the upcoming season.
Crunk, 25-years-old, is entering his fifth full season of pro hockey. During his ECHL career, Crunk has recorded four goals along with 14 assists, amassing 18 points. He’s collected 422 penalty minutes while hitting the ice in 149 games.
Crunk spent 2019-20 with the Rapid City Rush after a trade from Fort Wayne. While struggling to get anything going, Crunk played in 23 games, only adding a total of 57 penalty minutes. In 2018-19 between the two hockey clubs, Crunk played in 38 games, having scored two goals and one assist for three points. He added to that 173 penalty minutes.
Crunk made the jump to pro hockey after finishing his tenure in junior hockey. He split this with Spruce Grove Saints of the AJHL and the WHL’s Royals and Giants. With the Giants, Crunk recorded 10 points while adding 61 penalty minutes in 46 games.
With the Saints, Crunk recorded 13 points in 16 games played while adding 22 penalty minutes. Following the AJHL’s conclusion, Crunk made the jump to pro to the Fort Wayne Komets. With the team, he recorded five goals, having scored a single goal along with four assists. While racking up these totals in in eight games, he also added on eight penalty minutes.
In a statement from the left-handed shooter, he said upon signing his contract on Wednesday, “I am thrilled to be joining this squad. It is a great organization with a winning tradition. I can’t wait to be a part of it and keep that tradition going. Cincinnati is an amazing city with a great fan base and I’m excited to call it home for the season.”
As for the thoughts of Matt Thomas, head coach of the Cincinnati Cyclones, he said of the team’s latest signing, “Taylor is a fierce competitor. He brings energy every night and will be a fan favourite. His willingness to do whatever it takes to help his team win is evident. His combination of speed and toughness will complement our forward group.”